Time to get caught up...
The Nationals once barren system is now beginning to bear fruit. For simplicity's sake here, I'll assume you already know all about Stephen Strasburg and Drew Storen.
The problem with Burgess has always been consistent contact. His second go-round in the Carolina League seems to have solved that problem for now, but Burgess is going to have to prove he can lower his strike out numbers without repeating a level. This year's K-rate has dipped below the 20% sign, and his OPS has risen to .814 as a result, which could result in a promotion to Double-A and the next test for Burgess.
Demny is repeating the Sally League largely because of his 5.14 ERA last season, but in spite of his 3.78 FIP. The Nationals are probably thrilled with his "improvements" this season and his 2.77 ERA, despite his FIP of 3.81. In other words, Demny is about the same pitcher he was last year, but a lot luckier.
After a season flashing both power and patience, and the corresponding promotion to Double-A this season, Espinosa has struggled slightly against tougher competition, but no more so than a 25-point drop in his BABIP would suggest. He's still displaying decent plate discipline and some power, so he's far from a lost cause, and may just take some time to adjust to Double-A pitching.
Hood is creeping up on his career high in games played in a season already in 2010, which signals part of the problem. The other is his plate discipline, as his K/BB ratio through 144 career minor is 146/37. This season's respectable .290 batting average is a product of his unsustainable .404 BABIP and 22% line drive rate, and even with a bit of good luck, his OPS still stands at just .693.
More was expected out of last year's second round pick than his current .235/.260/.261 line. He's simply not displaying any power or plate discipline (26 K's against 4 BB's). It's a surprising performance from a college draft pick, but if improvement isn't seen by the time short season ball opens up, a demotion could be in line.
The son of a former big leaguer, Lombardozzi has been the model of consistency throughout his professional career. This season, the 2B has maintained his plate discipline while displaying slightly more extra base power, but still no home run ability. Still, his .384 OBP alone will be enough to keep him around.
Finally in Double-A but still just 21-years-old, Marrero hasn't developed into the complete hitter the Nationals thought they were drafting in 2006, but he does have good power that plays in games. His free-swinging tendencies may be his demise at the higher levels of the minors, but his .274/.322/.434 line this year at Harrisburg is enough to think that he may still be able to be an everyday player in the majors at some point.
McGeary has managed to get his control back to respectability after an extremely wild 2009 season, but still isn't missing quite enough bats to be truly effective. He is also averaging less than 5 innings per start, which is due to the Nationals restrictions on him, but is also a bad sign for a pitcher in his 4th professional season, regardless of the educational commitments that made him a part-time player his first few seasons.
The best prospect the Nationals have left in the minors after Strasburg and Storen's promotions, Norris has continued to display his impeccable plate discipline this season, but has seen his power zapped due to various injuries. Even without power, his .277/.440/.369 line is impressive, even if it is only in 20 games.
